The effects of an infected horsefly bite can include:

Horsefly bites are horrible enough but are said to carry some infections which may not be treatable with our existing antibiotics.

This is what a horsefly looks like

Chief Executive of ANTRUK Professor Colin Garner said: “Here is a prime example of why we need to develop new medications fast to keep up with our changing climate and unexpected situations such as a horsefly bite epidemic.

“We have been warning for some time that our antibiotics are so ineffective that we could reach the situation where people will once again die from an infected scratch or bite.

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“That tragic moment may just have come. I personally got bitten recently by a horsefly and it is very painful. I am self-medicating with creams and an oral antihistamine tablet to ensure the bite site does not become infected.”

Horsefly bites normally see a angry swelling on the body

NHS experts say the majority of small but nonetheless painful insect bites and stings can be treated at home with over-the-counter medication.

But itchy horsefly bites take longer to heal and can become infected, especially if scratched.

Current treatments include antihistamine and steroid creams and in serious cases, broad-spectrum antibiotics.